34 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com FACE TO FACE One might not immediately recognize Cecily Gambrell’s name, but people are certainly familiar with her work. The Pacific Grove native has worked on such films as Gone in 60 Seconds, Zoolander and Pearl Harbor. She has appeared in several films, as well as television’s Desperate Housewives. Gambrell has written screenplays and produced Champion, the award-winning documentary on the life of actor Danny Trejo and through her production company Margot Trip, she is finishing a documentary on women in the semiconductor industry. Locally, Gambrell worked with Porsche Monterey, turning the Car Week event Porsche Monterey Classic into an enthusiast’s destination. And she serves as president of the local chapter of Women in Motorsports North America. There’s more to her long resume, but Gambrell might say she is carrying on family tradition. Her grandmother, Marcia Hovick, created a program in Carmel for young actors. Burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee is a great aunt, as is Hollywood’s June Havoc, who starred alongside Gregory Peck in Gentleman’s Agreement. In an unlikely twist, Gambrell once served as Peck’s personal assistant. Weekly: Is there anything you haven’t done? Gambrell: Hah. I feel very fortunate to be doing the things I love. Every time I take a step that’s scary, I realize I’m on the right path. I think I’m just beginning. You haven’t written a book. Coffee table books—I could do that. I’m impressed with people who write books. When you write a screenplay, you’re condensing life to two hours. What is it about acting? You’re transported outside of yourself. You’re living another person’s existence. And it doesn’t have to be deep. I played a part in a stoner comedy. I was on stage at the age of 6. It’s the thing my soul is drawn to the most. When I make a movie, if I entertain one person, or bring joy to one person—if I can change the way one person thinks, that’s how any of this has meaning. Is there a movie you’d like to make? I always wanted to make something like A Christmas Story. It never gets old. I want to make a movie people return to. Do you have a favorite? Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Ghostbusters, Fight Club, Terms of Endearment—my interests are broad. I’ve seen all but Fight Club. What? It’s such a brilliant movie. I’m joyfully jealous about how good a storyteller David Fincher is. You probably watch films differently than the rest of us. As I direct, now I’m seeing it with an eye for the camera, how the visuals are building. Now I have to rewatch all those movies I love and see if they are as good. So how did you get into cars? I’ve always loved cars, but I didn’t get the full history as to why until after my mother died in 2024. She had done rally driving in the 1960s. I would grill her about it, but she downplayed it. About two months ago I found a trove of photos—my mother at Laguna Seca. It makes sense why I’m driven to support women in motorsports. Any goals as chapter president? I have the role for three years. My goal is to plant the seeds that grow this to what it can be in five years—a presence in the community. Did you go to races growing up? In high school I only went to Laguna Seca once. Through Porsche I found myself at the track. I fell in love with every aspect. I started volunteering at the track in 2024. You’re a Porsche brand ambassador. How many do you own? I just have one—for now. A Panamera. I wanted a 911, but I need room for my equipment. When I did the brand ambassador program, they run you through the history of the brand. I did the Porsche Experience in Los Angeles. When you have the car on track, in its element—that’s what hooked me. It made me a total addict. How do you get script ideas? When the opportunity arises, you’re inspired by it and take action. Champions, for example—that documentary came about because I pitched a documentary on the Latin experience in the film industry. When it came time for Danny Trejo’s part, I said, “This guy needs a documentary.” Gregory Peck? You’d probably win a game of six degrees of separation. [Laughs] I never thought of that before. I don’t think my mind could get past Kevin Bacon. All Around Star Cecily Gambrell is an actor, writer and producer who also supports local women in motorsports. By Dave Faries After high school, Cecily Gambrell found success in Hollywood. “Look at life as an audition,” she says. “The hard part is when you get the job. Then you have to deliver.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Golden Oldies Cat Rescue Adopt•Volunteer•Foster•Donate Older Cats New Beginnings www.gocatrescue.org 831•200•9232 Priscilla: an affectionate 8-year-old who loves a good scritch, playing with toys, and having a nice chat with you. 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